Nursing pads are insoles for the bra cups of pregnant and breastfeeding women. They catch the small amounts of breast milk that can leak out during pregnancy shortly before birth. Breast pads are an important part of hygiene for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
What are breast pads?
A nursing pad is a pad in the shape of the cup of the bra. It has a universal size, so that the cup size does not have to be taken into account when buying. If the nursing pad is used correctly, the woman will not feel it.
The pads are made of absorbent cellulose or plain paper, which is perfectly sufficient for normal breast milk droplets that escape from the breast. Breast pads are used on the one hand to protect the bra and on the other hand for hygienic reasons. Breast milk does not contain any aggressive ingredients that could destroy the fabric of the bra, but thanks to the nursing pad, it no longer needs to be changed every few hours. If, on the other hand, the moisture in breast milk were to accumulate in the bra, germs could form over time that lead to irritation and inflammation - and the need to dispose of the bra.
Shapes, types & types
Breast pads are available in different qualities on the market. They do not differ significantly in their shape, so that almost every brand fits into every bra. Over time, of course, every woman develops her own individual preference. For pregnant women shortly before giving birth who can see the first tiny drops of milk in their bra, very thin nursing pads are usually sufficient. They don't have to be extremely absorbent yet.
Breastfeeding mothers, on the other hand, prefer more absorbent nursing pads, since the leaking breast milk can become more than it did during pregnancy. Since this also differs from woman to woman, every pregnant woman and every mother should try different nursing pads with different suction power and find out which one she needs.
Nursing pads can be made from paper or absorbent cellulose for single use or from conventional fabric for reuse. The reusable shape of the nursing pad is more like a thin pad that is placed inside the bra cups and can be hot washed after use. This type of nursing pad is also completely hygienic when properly washed and is preferred by some women out of responsibility for the environment.
Structure & functionality
The nursing pad is a simple hygienic means of breast care for pregnant and nursing women. The simple nursing pad made of paper for single use consists in its basic form only of an absorbent piece of paper cut to the bra cup. Unlike sanitary napkins or diapers, for example, nursing pads do not have an absorbent core that stores moisture because they do not come into contact with so much moisture.
Higher quality nursing pads are shaped to match the bra cups so that they sit more comfortably and securely and the woman no longer feels the nursing pads.Reusable nursing pads consist of an outer layer of fabric that is kind to the skin and gentle on the sensitive nipples. Inside there is a more or less thick, highly absorbent core that can, however, be cleaned in the washing machine without leaving any residue. Reusable nursing pads always adapt to the shape of the female breast, as they are thicker and more stable than simple paper pads.
High-quality products are not visible from the outside even with thin, unpadded bras, so they do not involuntarily enlarge the breast. Some nursing pads also have an odor-inhibiting effect and, due to their material, have antibacterial properties. These products are particularly suitable for women who are prone to inflammation of the nipple or who still suffer from an impaired immune system after pregnancy.
Medical & health benefits
First of all, nursing pads are a protection against wet spots in the bra and on the top. Even with the pregnant woman in the last weeks and days before the birth, minimal droplets of breast milk run out of the breast, which are not harmful, but can be unpleasant. During this time, nursing pads protect against leaking into the bra or top.
Breastfeeding mothers, on the other hand, usually need this protection, as small droplets of breast milk constantly leak from them. Breastfeeding can crack the fine, sensitive skin of the nipples, which explains the increased sensitivity of a breastfeeding woman. However, breast milk can also collect in these cracks if it is not absorbed by a nursing pad.
Heat and moisture are known to be the best basis for pathogens. The bacteria that thrive as a result may over time cause painful breast infections that can prevent women from breastfeeding. In such cases, a stylus attachment and, if necessary, a breast pump are also suitable.
Another pleasant effect of a good nursing pad is its odor-inhibiting effect. Breast milk itself usually does not have an unpleasant odor - but if it is not removed by washing or showering for a few hours, it can develop it. The nursing pad has a short-term cleaning function by absorbing the leaked breast milk and keeping it away from the breast. This means that unpleasant smells do not even arise and the breastfeeding woman feels more comfortable in everyday life. Especially in warm temperatures, leaking breast milk can develop an unpleasant smell due to bacteria, which is suppressed by the nursing pads.
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